UAlbany defense successfully battled off 8 corners, with four of them back-to-back.

Melissa Nealon held UAlbany in the game with six saves.

Syracuse outshot the Great Danes 14-1.

UAlbany had one penalty corner, compared to the Orange’s 10.

HOW IT HAPPENED

In the 2nd minute of the game and the Orange’s first penalty corner, sophomore Roos Weers earned the first goal from assists by Florine Hogendoorn and Emma Tufts.

After a UAlbany violation inside the circle in the 20th minute, the Great Danes prepared for a corner. With violation after violation, UAlbany stopped four Syracue corners in a row. It was not until the 5th corner where Weers shot the second goal of the game from the Hogendoorn and Tufts duo.

COMMENTS FROM THE COACHING STAFF

"I was proud of the way our team competed today against a very good Syracuse team. They started off at a speed and tempo that we were not use to, but once we got settled into the game, we were able to compete. Our defense battled well under some stressful situations and kept the game within reach," said head coach Phil Sykes.

"Right now, our goal is to get sharper and sharper as we move to conference play next week. Our schedule is challenging, but the great thing is that when we play a high quality opposition, they tell us exactly where we are strong and where we need to improve," said Sykes.

RECAP

The Great Danes fought hard against undefeated Syracuse, who has yet to surrender a goal this season.To start the game, Syracuse scored early in the first half. UAlbany’s first penalty inside the circle allowed for a well-executed Syracuse corner. Inserted by Hogendoorn, Tufts placed the ball for Weers to fire into the back of the goal.

In the second half, the Orange’s final goal mirrored its first. A 50th minute Syracuse penalty corner transformed into another goal, with assists from Hogendoorn and Tufts shot by Weers. The goal was scored after four denied Syracuse corners, including two on goal with saves from Melissa Nealon.

During the game, UAlbany fought to break the ball into the middle of the circle, but the Syracuse defenders continued to push the Great Danes near the edge. Kelsey Briddell centered the ball for a few UAlbany chances, but no Great Danes were able to take control. Frederike Helmke and Carli Pelletier caused multiple ‘Cuse turnovers throughout both halves, but little production came from the offense. The single UAlbany shot came from Ghislaine Beerkens landing just wide of the post.

Next Friday the Great Danes will open up conference play at home on Alumni Turf, against the New Hampshire Wildcats at 1 P.M.